A family-run Indian deli that has been going for nearly 30 years in inner city Nottingham is expanding. The Bombay Sweet Centre first opened in 1995 in Hyson Green, specialising in traditional sugary treats before branching out into street food five years ago.
Speak to any customer and they will tell you the samosas are "out of this world", it's really good value for money and "it's the best Indian in Nottingham." Now the business is taking its confectionery, homemade savoury snacks, Punjabi curries and more to West Bridgford, the town which has been home to the original founders for 40 years.
A second shop will be opening in Gordon Road in the former premises of Topknot hair salon, which closed in December. The transformation will get underway on Monday in time for opening in the spring, bringing the flavours and vibes of Punjab, Delhi and Mumbai.
Has your business been affected by the cost of living crisis? Tell us here
The business, in Radford Road, was originally started by Jeet and Neelam Passan, who are now retired. It is now being carried forward by their son Rahul.
The West Bridgford site will have everything the Hyson Green shop has and more, branding itself as a cafe deli. Rahul said: "We are dying to come south side of the river and this is the perfect opportunity for us to do that. My parents have lived in West Bridgford for 40 years and I was born and bred in Bridgford.
"This will be Bridgford's first Indian delicatessen, somewhere you can buy some sweets, we will be making street food fresh in front of the customer, the street food is a massive part of our business which derives from the cafes in Mumbai and the street vendors in Delhi. We are really eager to give that authenticity to the locals in West Bridgford.
"I always had an ambition to open in West Bridgford and the timing feels right. I got married in August last year and by having my partner Bhavna with me now, she's a really big pillar of support who helps behind the scenes."
Unlike Hyson Green, customers will be able to eat in. Traditional Indian breakfasts of aloo paratha (bread filled with spicy potato mix) with Greek yoghurt, butter and chilli pickle and mango pickle will be on the menu, with Indian coffee, masala chai, to drink.
Club sandwiches will have fillings such as spiced potato and tandoori paneer layered between slices of brioche bread. Curries will include best-sellers butter chicken makhani, aubergine dish aloo baingan, and tharka daal.
Rahul said: "Sixty percent of our menu will be vegan, and over 50 percent will be gluten-free." The cafe deli will emphasise the history of the brand and will pay homage to his parents with a picture of them on a plaque.
The deal on the premises was closed by Jack Shakespeare, of FHP property consultants. Rahul said: "We went to West Bridgford School together, he was in my tutor group so it was a pleasure doing business with him. He managed to close the deal for me in West Bridgford, so it was quite fitting the way it worked out."
READ NEXT:
